In this article, Miren-Maialen Mc Donald, a member of Dublin Cycling Campaign’s Executive Committee, recounts her experiences of attending the Irish Cycling Campaign’s Gathering of Cycle Campaigners held in Galway on Sat 28 March 2026.

Irish Cycling Campaign’s latest Gathering of Cycle Campaigners was a combination of member-focused strategy sessions, wider discussions on road danger reduction challenges, a social cycle, and a dinner.

I travelled from Dublin on the 7.30am train. I was originally planning to bring my bike with me; however, I was unable to do so as the bicycle spaces were booked out. I was happy though to be back in the City of the Tribes, Gaillimh. A special thanks to Kevin and Reg for all the efforts to arrange a ‘Transport for Ireland’ bike sharing bicycle for me. I learned the lesson to book in advance as spaces for bike on trains are limited.

The meeting took place at a beautiful building at the heart of Galway – Bonham Quay – less than a five minute walk from Galway’s Ceannt train station.

We were welcomed by Neasa Bheilbigh who is the current Chairperson of Irish Cycling Campaign and an active member of Galway Cycling Campaign, one of Irish Cycling Campaign’s 20 Local Groups – see https://www.irishcyclingcampaign.ie/about-us/our-structure/local-groups/.

First up, there was a review of Irish Cycling Campaign’s current (2021-2026) Strategy led by Sandra Velthuis, Chairperson of ICC’s Board, and ICC’s National Cycling Coordinator, Damien Ó Tuama. Damien spoke about ICC’s work of “reshaping mobility at local and national level”, and gave examples of ICC’s recent work of engaging with politicians and officials, plus ICC’s work in delivering technical submissions on public consultations and our wider research work. Damien also highlighted ICC’s approach of working as part of various coalitions and networks, an essential way to create change.

I was really impressed by the presentation on “As She Cycles” led by An Taisce’s Green-Schools Travel Team and as introduced by the Minister of State for Transport, Seán Canney TD. Clara Blodau, a student from a secondary school from Gort, spoke about her experiences as part of the #andshecycles campaign (see https://greenschoolsireland.org/andshecycles/) and she referred to her engagements with the Irish Cycling Campaign and An Taisce as she sought safer cycling routes in her locality.

I really loved the Margaret Mead quote she finished her presentation with – “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

The presentation by Lorraine Farrell from An Taisce’s Green Schools Team drew attention to the shocking statistic that, right now, just 1 in 250 girls cycle to school in comparison to 1 in 25 boys. Lorraine referred to the current barriers and highlighted the amazing work done by the #Andshecycles ambassadors in their communities where they turn ‘education into empowerment’.

Afterwards, there was a presentation by Allison Roberts on the Clonakilty Bike Festival (see https://clonakiltybicyclefestival.org/) and then one by Jo Sachs Eldridge on the Leitrim Cycling festival, happening this year in Cloone Village from 08-10 May 2026 (see https://leitrimcyclingfestival.com/). Additionally, Allison spoke about the Warmshowers organisation and website (see https://warmshowersblog.org/) and the Vision for Cycling for Rural Ireland which is available on Irish Cycling Campaign website (see https://www.irishcyclingcampaign.ie/campaigns/what-is-iccs-rural-vision/).

The final presentation of the day was on the topic of urban planning and public engagement towards sustainable mobility in Galway by Prof Ulf Strohmayer, urban geographer and planner living in Galway since 2001 (see https://research.universityofgalway.ie/en/persons/ulf-strohmayer/).

Following the indoor sessions, some of us joined in the guided cycle tour around Galway city. First we cycled through the Claddagh – the neighbourhood in which our current President Catherine Connolly spent much of her life – and then we cycled alongside the canals of Galway to end up at the university and right next to the River Corrib. At the end of the spin, we ended up at Massimo’s for dinner.

I loved the cycle and was grateful for all the organisers, especially Kevin, Neasa and Reg. The vegan food was delicious.

I also had the opportunity to speak about the upcoming Community Garden Cycle which will take place in Dublin on the 16th of May.

Photos above by Miren-Maialen Mc Donald.

[Note that a separate article will soon appear on the website of Irish Cycling Campaign on the Galway Gathering, from the perspective of the local Galway Cycling Campaign crew / the local organisers – keep an eye on https://www.irishcyclingcampaign.ie/ for this!]